Thailand has a lifestyle the rest of the world could envy. An independent nation founded in 1238, its original name, Sukhothai, means “Dawn of Happiness.” Ever since, the Thai culture and cuisine have been based on pleasure and harmony.

Its neighbors, China, Laos, Cambodia, Burma, and India, have all contributed to Thailand’s varied and zestful cuisine. However, Thai cooking has a character of its own, much of it based on the land’s abundant spices and herbs.

Chili peppers in dozens of varieties give Thai cooking a reputation for being firecracker hot, but they are just one ingredient in the harmonious whole. Contrast and balance are what make a Thai meal: hot and spicy, sweet and sour, pungent and fragrant.
Brilliant taste, texture and color come from the fresh vegetables and fruits, the rich combinations of flavorings such as chilies, garlic and onions, curry mixtures, coriander, coconut cream, basil, lemon grass, mint, kaffir lime, and tamarind. Thailand’s unique sauces add their own tang and may also be mixed into a dish to moderate its hotness. The most commonly found is fish sauce, its deliciously salty flavor used to season almost everything but sweets.
While Thais are not vegetarians -- and the barbecue dishes are marvelous -- meat and poultry are often used in small portions, almost as garnish, with emphasis on fruits and vegetables, fish and seafood. This is low-fat cuisine that seduces the senses, yet is packed with nutritional value.

In a country about the size of France, Thailand has a tropical climate and distinct regions. Each is as different from the others as the Rockies are to Florida. There are steamy jungles in Thailand’s South, home to Indian-inspired curries and freshwater fish. Robust grilled meats and fiery sauces are native to the mountainous North. Orchards and vast rice paddies cover the fertile Central Plain. The long coastline of the Gulf Coast is famous for its white sands and bountiful fish and seafood. Bangkok is the cosmopolitan center of the nation, and every regional variation of Thai food can be found in its food stalls, cafes and elegant restaurants.

Much of the mystique surrounding Thai cuisine comes from the long tradition of elaborate food preparation known as palace cuisine. Intricate dishes are presented with garnishes of flowers and masterfully carved vegetables and fruits. In centuries past, not only did artisans become accomplished in palace cuisine decoration, as they still do today, it was not unusual for young ladies from royal or aristocratic families to study it as a household art form.

The other side of Thai cuisine is traditional home cooking. This is simple, hearty and flavorful. It can be a single dish, Western-style, or a Thai-style meal of several dishes to be enjoyed in the company of others.